Blanc extends PSG contract until 2018

Thursday February 11 2016

Paris Saint-Germain's coach Laurent Blanc looks on during the French Ligue 1 football match between his team and Lille on April 25, 2015 at the Parc des Princes in Paris. In a statement on Thursday, the club said Blanc has extended his contract with the French champions until 2018. PHOTO | FRANCK FIFE | AFP

In Summary

Blanc's current deal runs out at the end of the season and the club's wealthy Qatari owners moved to tie in the 50-year-old to a new contract without waiting to see how the side do in looming decisive Champions League clashes.

PSG play Chelsea in the last 16, with the first leg next week.

PSG won the league, French Cup, and league cup last year and are on course to repeat the feat this year.

They have not lost a game in domestic competition for seven months and beat Lyon 3-0 on Wednesday to reach the French Cup quarter finals.

Paris St-Germain said Thursday that coach Laurent Blanc has extended his contract until 2018, giving him a free rein for the tough Champions League campaign ahead.

Blanc's current deal runs out at the end of the season and the club's wealthy Qatari owners moved to tie in the 50-year-old to a new contract without waiting to see how the side do in looming decisive Champions League clashes.

Paris play Chelsea in the last 16, with the first leg next week.

"Quite simply, we need to look to the future, that's the way I see it," said Blanc after the new deal, which he called "a strong show of faith."

"I'm very happy, also for my staff. A coach is nothing without his staff. For us, continuing the adventure is a show of faith but also a big responsibility.